The death toll in the Malviya Nagar bed and breakfast fire tragedy has climbed to 23, as a Bangladeshi national succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at a hospital on Wednesday night. The fire broke out at the Flourish Inn hotel in south Delhi's Malviya Nagar area on June 3, initially killing 21 people and injuring several others.
Safety Lapses Exposed
The incident has laid bare serious safety violations at the hotel. Preliminary investigations have revealed alleged illegal construction, a locked terrace, a single entry and exit point, and the complete absence of basic firefighting systems. Officials stated that the building, operating as Flourish Stay Bed and Breakfast, was licensed as a six-room property but had allegedly been expanded into a 25-room hotel.
Licence and Safety Measures
Although its bed and breakfast licence was valid until 2027, investigators found that the premises lacked essential fire safety measures, including smoke detectors, automated fire alarms, and sprinkler systems. The hotel also did not possess a fire safety No Objection Certificate (NOC). Authorities are continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire and the alleged violations at the property.
This tragedy highlights the critical need for strict enforcement of building and fire safety regulations, especially in hospitality establishments. The loss of lives underscores the consequences of negligence in adhering to safety norms.
